Four men released without charge over greyhound kidnapping

Four men arrested in connection with the kidnapping of one of the country's fastest greyhounds have been released without charge, writes David Raleigh.

Files are to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in respect of each man.

Clares Rocket was stolen from her kennels at the training yard of Graham Holland in Golden, Co Tipperary between last Sunday night and last Monday morning.

Four men, including convicted Limerick drug dealer Christy Keane were arrested and questioned by Gardaí. A well known dissident was also arrested as part of the Garda probe.

According to a Garda spokesman, two of the men were released from Tipperary Garda Station late last night, and the other two were released from Clonmel Garda station around 1.30am this morning.

Gardaí arrested the four men in two separate operations late Tuesday night. They recovered the greyhound in a car along with two men near Waterford.

Graham Holland and the dog's part owner Joe Cahill, head of the Fullhouse syndicate, collected the dog from Tipperary Garda station late Tuesday night after Gardaí contacted them.

Mr Holland said he would be increasing security at his home and kennels in Golden.

He said a ransom had been requested by the gang who took the dog but no money was handed over.

He said he hoped Clares Rocket would compete in next year's English Derby - The race has commanded up to £250,000 sterling for first place in recent years.

"It has been worth as much as £250,000 sterling so it is a big prize. It takes a lot of winning and there are a lot of ifs and buts, but (Rocket) is a dog that's good enough to win it, if he's lucky enough."